Eddie Hearn believes Zuffa Boxing’s paydays will be deemed unfair
by
UFC fighters. 

Zuffa Boxing is the newly launched boxing venture of the TKO group,
the UFC and WWE’s parent company. While the UFC has long been
slammed for unfair fighter pay, Zuffa doesn’t seem to be going down
the same road. Hearn’s homegrown star, Conor Benn, recently parted
ways with Matchroom to sign a deal with Zuffa. Benn reportedly
signed a $15 million deal for a single bout, which is more than the
highest fight purse in UFC history. 

Hearn believes UFC fighters will feel cheated when they see the
Zuffa salaries. According to Hearn, UFC fighters won’t be pleased
being paid a 10th of Zuffa Boxing’s salaries despite generating
more revenue. Hearn also brought up heavyweight champion Tom
Aspinall’s (15-3) apparent falling out with the UFC. Aspinall’s
first title defense against Ciryl Gane
ended in a no-contest after Gane poked the champion in both eyes in
the first round at UFC 320
last October. Aspinall faced backlash from Dana White for choosing
not to continue with a compromised vision. White initially said
that Aspinall didn’t look like he wanted to be in there with Gane.
While Aspinall recently underwent surgery in both eyes, White said
they were more likely to be injections.‘Sick as a Dog’

“[UFC fighters will feel] sick as a dog,” Hearn said on The
Stomping Ground. “If you’re a UFC fighter, you’re looking at this
Zuffa, going, ‘I’m being absolutely ripped off here. I’m generating
more revenue than these guys, and I’m getting a 10th of the money.’
There’s no loyalty in that game. Look at Aspinall. He got his eyes
gouged out and he just gets humiliated by the UFC. They basically
told everyone he’s a liar and he’s a p—-y. This is a cutthroat
business.” 

While even the UFC top stars can’t beat Conor Benn’s deal, there is
an even more stark contrast with fighters at the bottom of the
ladder. The salary of a UFC newcomer can be as low as $12,000 to
show and $12,000 to win. 

Eddie Hearn says UFC fighters will feel
“sick as a dog” seeing how much boxers are getting paid in Zuffa
😬

“There’s no loyalty in that game. Look at Aspinall. He got his eyes
gouged out and he just gets humiliated by the UFC. They basically
told everyone he’s a liar and he’s a… https://t.co/4teotJfTHI pic.twitter.com/6QDr2x31fE

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS)
February 21, 2026